The Link Between HVAC Systems and Sleep Quality

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just about your mattress or bedtime routine. The air circulating in your home plays a critical role in helping your body achieve and maintain its optimal temperature for sleep.

Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that your body naturally cools down as you prepare to sleep. This drop in temperature signals to your brain that it is time to sleep. Maintaining a consistent air temperature in your bedroom helps to support this innate process. If the air in your home has poor circulation or is too warm or cool, it can disrupt your body’s thermoregulation, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.

What’s the Optimal Air Temperature for Sleep?

Research from the NIH suggests that a cool bedroom is ideal for quality sleep. The recommended range of temperature for most people is 60-67°F, as this temperature range has been shown to help the body maintain its natural nighttime cooling process. Temperatures outside of this range can possibly disrupt sleep stages, such as REM and slow-wave sleep (SWS), both of which are crucial for your body’s recovery.
To better understand how real-world preferences align with these recommendations, we conducted a poll asking 75 adults about their ideal sleeping temperature. Here’s what they said:

• 20% prefer temperatures below 60°F
  
• 24% of respondents chase the range of 60-65°F
  
• 36% favored 65-70°F
  
• 19% enjoy 70-75°F
  
• 0.01% of respondents preferred temperatures above 75°F
  

These results show that the majority of people (80%) favor cooler temperatures under 70 degrees fahrenheit when sleeping, which aligns with expert research. This highlights the importance of using HVAC systems to maintain a cool and stable environment for optimal rest.

How HVAC Systems Support the Ideal Sleep Environment

Your heating and cooling system is a powerful tool for creating the perfect sleep environment. Here’s how your system works to support your body’s natural thermoregulation and overall comfort:

1. Temperature Control: You can set your smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature at night to match your body’s needs for sleep. Keeping your thermostat between 60-67°F can aid you in a restful night's sleep.
2. Humidity Regulation: Controlling humidity is equally as important as temperature. High humidity can make the air feel warm and sticky while low humidity can dry out your skin and respiratory system. For the ideal climate it is best to maintain humidity levels between 30-50%.
3. Consistent Airflow: Ensuring your vents are unobstructed and using fans to evenly distribute air can help maintain your ideal bedroom temperature. Proper air circulation prevents temperature fluctuations and enables your bedroom to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.
4. Air Quality: Replacing your heating and cooling systems air filters regularly helps reduce odors, allergens, dust, and pollutants circulating in your home. Clean air promotes better respiratory health and aids in your sleep.

By combining precise temperature control, consistent airflow, and balanced humidity, your HVAC system can transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. Pair these with a breathable bedding to enhance the effects of your HVAC system and you will be well on your way to a restful night’s sleep.

Is Your HVAC System Living Up to Your Sleep Standards?

If your current heating and cooling system is not positively contributing to your ideal sleep environment–whether you’re experiencing inconsistent temperature, poor air circulation, or humidity issues–it might be time for an upgrade. Upgrading your HVAC system gives you the tools needed to create a healthier and more comfortable sleeping environment.

Ready for an upgrade? Get an instant quote today and be one step closer to your perfect sleep environment.